Ford SYNC: Firmware upgrade made easy for cars too!

This is a discussion on Ford SYNC: Firmware upgrade made easy for cars too! within The International Automotive Scene, part of the BHP Worldwide category; Ford cars having the latest infotainment system called SYNC (developed with Microsoft) can be upgraded by end user just like ...

Ford cars having the latest infotainment system called SYNC (developed with Microsoft) can be upgraded by end user just like we upgrade, say, a mobile phone. Well, the firmware is limited to the entertainment system now.

It makes sense to allow the customer to upgrade the firmware of the less-critical entertainment system instead of taking to the service center. It helps in getting the updates faster to the end user bye passing all the upgrade bulletins associated with the normal procedure. Instead the car owner can just download the firmware to an usb stick and plug in to the car's usb slot and just follow the on screen instructions.

Ford has showcased SYNC AppLink at Mobile Developer Summit in Bangalore. This is nothing but a voice-activated technology for hands-free connection between driver and smartphone applications. Ford's SYNC AppLink will enhance driving experience for AppLink-enabled vehicles in India starting from 2014. Apps from ESPNcricinfo, MapmyIndia, burrp!, Glympse, TuneIn Radio are planned to be introduced on SYNC AppLink platform in India. With this, Ford becomes the first automaker in India to launch an open program allowing software developers to directly interface with the vehicle. This app will allow you to stream Internet radio, listen to songs, get cricket scores, get traffic updates, search for restaurants, hotels and more without fumbling through phone menus while driving.

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“We are excited about bringing SYNC AppLink to India and will offer industry-exclusive voice control technology for smartphone apps thereby providing drivers the convenience to access content and information while on-the-go. SYNC AppLink is an exciting addition to Ford’s class leading connectivity technology and goes further in personalizing the in-car experience.” says David Huang, senior manager at Ford Asia Pacific’s Technology and Business Development, Connected Services and keynote speaker at Mobile Developer Summit 2013.

Ford will invite software developers to create voice-activated mobile apps for Ford vehicles. The information to learn about the AppLink application programming interface (API) will be available on the Developer Program website, http://developer.ford.com. The developer site features online forums to discuss app development and related issues. Once submitted to Ford, the app will be tested and reviewed for usability and suitability for Ford AppLink-enabled vehicles. After Ford works out a distribution license with the developer, the app can be released to customers.

Ford already has more than 7 million SYNC (powered by Microsoft) enabled vehicles around the world, expected grow to 9 million by 2015. Developers working with SYNC AppLink will be able to create apps across a wide range of categories to reach this growing base of Ford owners.

Ford today introduced SYNC 3, a new communications and entertainment system that builds on the capability of SYNC technology. SYNC 3 begins arriving on new vehicles next year.

"Ford is delivering an easier way for customers to stay connected," said Raj Nair, Ford chief technical officer and group vice president, Global Product Development. "SYNC 3 is another step forward in delivering connectivity features customers most want, and they tell us this kind of technology is an important part of their decision to buy our vehicles."

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Here's a brief summary of the new Sync 3's features:

1.Intuitive interface: Optimized for hands-free use, SYNC 3 also reduces on-screen complexity and prioritizes the control options and gets a new touch screen that delivers an experience similar to a smartphone or tablet, like quicker response to touch as well as voice commands and smartphone-like gestures.

The display gets a bright background and large buttons for daytime, whereas at night, it automatically switches to a dark background to help reduce eye fatigue and minimize reflections.

2.Easy-to-use voice recognition: SYNC 3 now allows users to play music with commands as simple as "play <song, artist, album, or genre>". The system also offers seamless integration of Siri Eyes-Free control for iPhone users.

3.Innovative features: AppLink now automatically discovers smartphone apps including Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, NPR One, SiriusXM Radio and iHeartRadio Auto, and displays their unique graphics and branding. Music and news apps are automatically displayed along with other media sources, just like AM/FM or SiriusXM.

Furthermore, the customer's Bluetooth-connected phone is used to dial 911 in the event of a significant accident, alerting first-responders with the vehicle's location. With SYNC 3, the car relays additional information, including if airbags were deployed, the type of crash (front, side, rear or roll-over) and the number of safety belts detected in use, in order to help emergency call takers dispatch the appropriate resources to the scene.

Gone is the Microsoft Auto platform of old and in its place is a QNX operating system running on Texas Instruments hardware. Sadly, since the new Sync runs on a totally different hardware, vehicles that shipped with the old version will not get the new hotness.

So it would be good if Ford offers this new system to the ones who are interested in switching from the older one.

It would be really cool if they do offer this. However, historically I've not heard of Ford offering such upgrades to Sync in foreign markets (US/Europe), so its unlikely to happen in India.

At best, we can hope that the new Endeavour comes with this updated Sync, which then allows enterprising people to buy this from Ford's spare parts division and then fit it in - voiding any warranty, of course. Or if we're lucky, Ford will offer this in the face-lifted EcoSport, whenever that comes.

There's also the risk of people not having the expertise to fit this 100% correctly, and potential compatibility issues, since Sync is far more than just ICE. For instance, Sync integrates with the BCU (body control unit) to know if the doors are open, with the ECU to serve reminders about oil level, and displays the output of the reverse sensors, etc. What if the signalling mechanism or protocol for any of these have changed?